History
The University of Saskatchewan launched its first physical therapy program in the fall of 1965, introducing a diploma aimed at quickly addressing a critical provincial shortage of physical therapists. Although designed as a short-term solution, the program laid the foundation for a rapidly evolving academic pathway.
By 1973, the diploma program expanded to three years, accompanied by the introduction of an optional four‑year Bachelor of Physical Therapy (B.P.T.). Just a few years later, in 1976, the establishment of the School of Physical Therapy within the College of Medicine marked a significant step forward in advancing the profession.
In 1981, the university introduced the four‑year Bachelor of Science in Physical Therapy, B.Sc.(P.T.), which became the primary professional entry‑to‑practice degree. Continued growth led to the launch of the Master of Physical Therapy (MPT) program in 2007. With this transition, annual student intake rose from 30 to 40, and again to 55 students in 2023, reflecting the province’s growing need for skilled rehabilitation professionals.
Throughout its history, the program has consistently maintained full accreditation. Strong partnerships with clinical sites across Saskatchewan have supported exceptional graduate recruitment and retention. Today, approximately 90% of the province’s physical therapists are USask‑educated — a testament to the program’s impact and reputation.
In 2018, the School of Physical Therapy evolved into the School of Rehabilitation Science, positioning the university for expanded program offerings. This vision became reality in 2024 with the announcement of Saskatchewan’s first Occupational Therapy and Speech‑Language Pathology programs, both set to welcome their inaugural cohorts in fall 2026.
Mission and Vision
Our mission
Excellence in Rehabilitation Science teaching, research, scholarship, and leadership to improve the quality of life and well-being for all people of Saskatchewan and beyond.
Our vision
We will be the outstanding School of Rehabilitation Science in Saskatchewan, nationally and internationally recognized for innovative research and graduate programs, high quality interprofessional education, and exceptional knowledge translation. We will demonstrate leadership in rehabilitation science to advance research, learning, knowledge sharing, and reconciliation and inclusion with and by Indigenous peoples and communities.
Principles and Values
The aspirations of the School of Rehabilitation Science community are best achieved through a belief in principles that are fundamental to the University of Saskatchewan and through commitment to and practice of values, ways of conducting ourselves, that serve to guide our policies, behaviors and collaborations.
The School of Rehabilitation Science community believes in the following principles:
- Academic freedom
- Collaboration
- Commitment to communities
- Diversity, equality, and human dignity
- Different ways of knowing, learning, and being
- Excellence
- A healthy work and learning environment
- Innovation, curiosity, and creativity
- Openness, transparency, and accountability
- Reconciliation
- Sustainability
The School of Rehabilitation Science community is committed to acting in accordance with the following values:
- Collegiality
- Fairness and equitable treatment
- Inclusiveness
- Integrity, honesty, and ethical behavior
- Professionalism
- Respect
Strategic Priorities
As is common in the health sciences, many of our priorities are influenced by changes in the health and education sectors and environments outside the university (local, provincial, regional, national and international). We will continue to strengthen and integrate activities with our partners and maintain organizational flexibility to respond to opportunities as they arise. We will continue to direct our work and measure our progress in consideration of the goals of the university and the College of Medicine.
Four priorities have been identified for further development, enhancement and/or requiring new resources into the next planning cycle. These priorities directly link to initiatives and opportunities in the College of Medicine strategic plan. It is also important to emphasize our ongoing commitment to the Masters of Physical Therapy (MPT) program as a core strength and priority.
At this stage the university has identified four themes as overarching criteria on which units may assess their progress. It has been suggested that units ask how each of their priorities would make the university more sustainable, connected, diverse and creative. Each of the identified priorities is directly linked to one or more of these themes and as the institutional plan takes shape we will continue to reflect on and refine specific goals as appropriate.
Establish a School of Rehabilitation Science
Establishing a hub for rehabilitation science education, research and community engagement continues to be a strategic priority carried forward from the College of Medicine and School of Physical Therapy previous integrated plans.
Enhancing Indigenous Initiatives
Working closely with the College of Medicine, other health professional programs, university and members of our Indigenous communities, we are committed to advancing initiatives that will strengthen education and research related to Indigenous content and approaches in our school.
Research Graduate Programming and Clinical Research
Enhanced and innovative graduate programming is considered critical to positioning the School as the hub for rehabilitation science education and research in Saskatchewan. Connected with this priority is the advancement of clinical research supported by high quality research facilities.
Interprofessional Education and Research
To advance interprofessional collaborative practice and patient-centred care, we continue our commitment to working with health professional colleagues to further develop the Interprofessional Education (IPE) curriculum and strengthen interdisciplinary research.